BUDDING young stars will be able to audition for parts in Redditch Palace Youth Theatre Group’s (PYT) summer performance of Beauty and the Beast.

Children and young people, aged eight to 18, are being invited to join the youth theatre for the chance to get involved in the July production.

Open auditions are being held at Redditch’s Palace Theatre on Thursday, December 8 between 5pm and 6.30pm for 8 to 12-year-olds, and from 6.30pm to 8pm for 12 to 18-year-olds. (12-year-olds can attend either session).

Auditionees should prepare a small section of any song they like, to perform for the audition. The acting element of the audition will be in the style of a workshop and does not need any preparation.

PYT will be performing the RSC version (please note this is different to the Disney version) of the infamous fairy tale on the July 13 to 15 with rehearsals starting in January.

Auditionees will be cast as Belle, the Beast, Gaston, LeFou and all the other well known characters – as well as plenty of chorus work - to create a magical production.

Redditch Borough Council’s youth theatre and arts officer Liz Tabberer said: "There are many, many opportunities for members of the Palace Youth Theatre to be involved in productions. We have great fun in the shows and they are a great privilege to be a part of, especially performing on the Palace Theatre Stage. Do you want to make new friends, build confidence and try something new – what are you waiting for? Come and get involved."

Youth theatre sessions for young people, which are run in groups according to age and requirements, take place at the Palace Theatre on weekday evenings during school term time.

The sessions offer something for everyone and include performance techniques, improvisation, sets and costumes, script work, movement pieces, vocal performance and lots more.

For more info and to book an audition slot email Liz at Lizzi.tabberer@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.